The couple was traveling back home and stopped after a propane truck driver recommended they try it out.

The building had been vacant since July 2012, when the Double Barrel Steakhouse moved to Craig.

The owners of the property at 825 W. Jefferson Ave. did not find a new tenant and chose to open up the restaurant themselves. The owners are Hayden developers Stefanus Nijsten and his brother Louis Nijsten and Bob Zibel. They developed the Creek View Townhomes behind the restaurant, and they have plans to build a hotel on the property. The restaurant and hotel would complement each other, Louis Nijsten said.

Nijsten said the feedback so far from customers has been really good.

“We have a really good staff, and I think that’s a recipe for success,” Nijsten said.

Jenny Hines and Haley Ann Perryman were hired to manage the smokehouse, which currently is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays. There are plans to eventually open Sundays and offer a buffet and bloody mary bar.

Menu items include classic barbecue made with local meats, burgers and homemade sides, including mac 'n' cheese. Perryman uses a family recipe for the bread pudding dessert.